This article first appeared in haven, The Edge Malaysia, on Issue #79 June + July 2016.

Function does not need to be at the expense of style. Get bold and add a touch of panache to your décor.

Vondom’s Biophilia series by Ross Lovegrove pushes the boundaries of geometry and material, with the form of this particular garden chair drawing inspiration from the organic design of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia (Quel, RM5,393)

Forty years on and the avant-garde UP5 armchair and ball-shaped ottoman by Gaetano Pesce is still ahead of the game. This version has cotton fabric and shaped polyurethane foam. (Space Furniture, RM23,310) 

The beautiful lines on this light blue porcelain ARTWAY dinner plate are an earthy but artful complement to any dish served  (Aino Living, RM19.90)

Inspired by the shape of a traditional Japanese toy, the Ojami by Takaokaya is a cross between an ottoman and a cushion. It can be customised with a variety of fabrics to suit your style. (Koncent.com.my, RM230 to RM2,595)       

Traditional meets contemporary in this Girih Treasure Chest, inspired by geometric Islamic art. Perched on a sycamore frame that is supported by a forged brass metal stretcher, the chest has a vivid blue high-gloss surface with the sheen of a precious stone. (David Linley, £62,500)

From goldfish to cartoon eyeballs, these lampshades from IKEA’s limited edition GILTIG collection add a bright spark to any room (IKEA Malaysia, RM99)

You don’t need to go big to make a statement — just look at the enchanting soft painted landscape on this Sanderson Sail Away Tribeca footstool (Janine, RM1,270)